Power-chuck-actuating- device



Sept. 24, 1929. s. T. 6055 POWER CHUCK ACTUATING DEVICE Filed Dec. 6, 1927 s Sheecs-Sheet 1 Sept. 24, 1929. s. T. Goss I POWER CHUCK ACTUATING DEVICE 3 sheetsesheet 2 Filed Dec. 6, 1927 gwumtoz 7 Sept. 24," 1929; s. T. GOSS POWER CHUCK AGTUATING DEVICE s'sneets-sne'et A r L awweutoz Patented Sept. 24, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STANLEY T. GOSS, OF NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE GOSS AND DELEEUVV IVIACHINE COMPANY, OF N'EN BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATICIZT OF CONNECTICUT POWER-CHUCK-ACTUATING DEVICE Application filed December 6, 1827.

this invention presents improvements in power chucking means, and more specifically a single power unit adapted to actuate a plurality of chuck, such as in the case of a turret equipped with several of these or like elements.

The desirability 0t providing power chucking means has been heretofore recognized by machinetool builders, and a large variety of ingenious; means for accomplishing this purpose have been invented, first in connection with a single chuck machine, and later multiple chuck machines. In the interest of simplification, it was discovered that a single power means could be utilized to actuate a plurality of chucks, but the devices were often very complicated and especially so since the majority of previous devices have been in connection with machines wherein the chucks were rotatable about their own axis as well as about the axis of the turret upon which they were mounted.

Built-in types of power chucking means have been designed which, in addition to be ing complicated and expensive are also auto- .inatic and, therefore, not capable of universal application nor caoable, in some cases, of selective application to any one 01": the particular chucks in the individual machine. Such types of construction further do not permit of alteration in the number of nor position of the working chucks.

Other types of single power units for actuating a plurality of chucks have been provided which were, in certain instances, capable of manual and selective application directly to the chuck, but, in general, were open to the objection of being applicable only to certain specific types of chucks and thereby limited in their range 0t application.

The construction disclosed. in this application is such that it accomplishes the major desirable features heretofore found only in part in any one individual type. Some of the main features accomplished by the present invention consist of: (a) manually and thereby selectively engageable at will with any one of a number of chucks, (b) applicable to st ndard make chucks, such as the screw threaded type having a rotary actuating Serial No. 238,108

shaft, (0) continuous rotary actuating means which are thereby unlimited in their range, (cl) operable in reverse directions, (e) requires no specially built machines, and (f) easily applied with a minimum of human effort.

These advantages are accomplished in the present case with a very simple unit mounted on the frame closely adjacent the rotary turret; such unit consisting broadly of a rotary electric motor, a rotatable element driven thereby, and a shaft having a spline connec tion with the element and equipped to be manually translated into engagement with the power receiving element of the chuck, such engagement being accomplished through a simple type of clutch such as the standard socket joint.

In order that gripping mechanisms may be capable of rigidly supporting the element to be grasped, such mechanisms are usually made irreversible; the common type of construction for this purpose including a spiral or screw threaded actuating means or some similar type of construction having a rotary actuating shaft as opposed, for example, to types of chucks which are spring operated in one direction. In chucking devices of this irreversible screw operat ing type, a greater force is often required to release the device than is required to clamp it shut. This presents a ditlicult problem in many cases where the actuating means, for example, is a rotary type motor and the clamping is inadvertently or intentionally allowed to proceed. until the power actuating means is stalled: i. e., in which the full torque of the motor is utilized to wedge the device in either of its extreme positions. In such cases, it is often impossible to release the device with the same power means. The present in vention n'ovides a way for overcoming this objection in the form of a loose coupling connection between the driving means and the actuating elemen The loose coupling connection atlords a delay before the motor positively begins to act on the driven element and hence is enabled to strike a hammer blow on the driven element as a result of the momentum acquired. This loose coupling), or

delayed connection, has further important advantages in that, for example, when the device has been clamped shut, it would be diffi cult to manually release the connections without reversing the motor but such operation could not be resorted to for the reason that, before the connection could be manually released the motor probably would act on the clamped element to loosen it. The above loose connection also permits a sufficient manual rotation of the translatable engaging shaft prior to the starting of the motor, such that the co-acting socket elements may be properly positioned for sliding engagement.

The present invention further affords novel and very convenient control means for the driving motor consisting broadly of a reversing, starting, and stopping switch lo cated in such a position on the tool-frame as to be readily foot-operated by the attendant. Such a control means leaves the operator free to manually manipulate the clutch connections and also to devote both hands to the casting or other element to be grasped. This is especially desirable where the casting is of a heavy and cumbersome nature.

Another feature of this inyention resides in the fact that it is a small complete unit which may be readily applied to any standard type machine with but slight alteration thereof, and is especially applicable to translatable heads in that it may be completely assembled thereon; the only necessary external connection being a lead to a source of electric current.

While the present invention is the result of an intensive study of the problems encountered in the power actuation of chucks in a rotary turret type of machine, yet it is readily conceivable that certain features thereof may be advantageously utilized in connection with a similar situation where there is one or more mechanisms required to be intermittently operated in a predetermined manner through a rotatable connection. The invention is of especial value where such mechanisms are movable along a predetermined path adjacent to which the power actuatin unit may be positioned.

Other objects and advantages will be in part indicated in the following description and in part rendered apparent therefrom in connection with the annexed drawings.

To enable others skilled in the art so fully to apprehend the underlying features here of that they may embody the same in the various ways contemplated by this invention, drawings depicting a preferred typical construction have been annexed as a part of this disclosure and, in such drawings, like characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout all the views, of which Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a machine-tool having the present invention incorporated therein. Fig. 2 is a fragmental view, similar to Fig 1, showing the chucks applied to the rotatable turret and certain details of the actuating means. Fig. .3 is a view, similar to Fig. 2, and taken from the left thereof.

The invention is shown incorporated in a well-known type of machine-tool, commonly designated as a multiple spindle chucking machine, consisting of a base or supporting frame 10, a translatable head 11, and a fixed head 12. The fixed head 12 is provided with a plurality of rotatable spindles 13 adapted to carry cutting tools and also the spindle 14-, which may be a threading device and capable of independent feed operable in connection with the screw shaft 15 secured to the translatable head 11. The translatable head 11 carries at the forward end thereof the turret 1G, rotatable from mechanism within the head 11. The above features, it is to be understood, are merely illustrative of the conventional elements of a machinetool to which this invention may be applied and further description of the details is, therefore, believed unnecessary.

Mounted upon the turret 16 are one or more chucks or gripping devices 17 as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows one of these chucks in full lines and others in dotted lines, as illustrative of the number and relative arrangement which may be found desirable in accordance with varying conditions, such as, e. g., the number and relative positions of opposed cutting tools. T he number and exact location of these chucks may be varied to suit the conditions provided they are arranged in such a manner as to be capable of being brought opposite the power actuating means shown broadly at 20.

A standard type of chuck is illustrated herein, consisting of transslatable jaws 2i operable toward and away from each other by means of the screw shaft 22 engaging the segmental nuts 23 integral with the slidable jaws 21. It is clear that other types of chucks, operated by means of a rotary shaft, may be utilized, if desired, and that such chucks may be positively secured on the rotary turret 16 or may be rotatable about their own axis thereof.

The power actuating means for the chucks consists of a unit entirely mounted on the supporting bracket 25, which bracket in turn is bolted to the supporting pad 26 on the side of the machine-tool frame. The unit, as shown, is secured in a fixed position upon the frame by means of the screw bolts 27 but it is to be understood that such unit may be made vertically or horizontally adjustable thereon by any conventional means and also, if desired, may be rotatable about a horizontal axis. The principal idea is to so arrange the actuating means, and the elements to be operated, that the operating elements may be suecessively presented in a position adjacent the operating means whereby engagement of the clutching device may be accomplished.

The details of the chucking means include a rotary motor 30, which may be preferably an electric motor connected through the flexible connection 31 to drive the shaft 32 mounted in bearings 33 and 34: of the housing 35. Convenient assembling of the shaft, and bearings within the housing 35, is accomplished by means of the removable cover plates 35" and 36; the cover plate 36 being provided with a suitable packing means, including the nut 37. The shaft 32 has integral therewith or secured thereto the worm 38 arranged to mesh with the worm gear 39. An element 40 is r0 tatably mounted in the housing in the projecting bearing members 41 and 42; the worm gear 39 being in turn rotatably mounted rela tive thereto. A suitable bearing sleeve 43 is provided between these two elements. A loose coupling connection is provided between the worm gear 39 and the rotatable element ll) consisting of an arm 45 projecting from the element at) into the path of the lug 4L6 integral with the worm gear 39. The housing 35 is provided with a removable plate 47 carrying the hub ell to thereby permit of the assembly of the elements within the housing and inspection thereof. Lubricating fluid may be maintained at any desired height within the housing 35 through the medium of the screw plugs 48, 49 and 50.

Splined within the rotatable element 40 is the shaft 52 having at the outer end thereof a hand grasp 53 secured thereto by means of the pin 54 and having at its inner end the socket member 55 adapted to fit over the squared end 56 of the screw shaft 22. The socket members may be reversed in their position in accordance with another form of standard construction or, if desired, any practical interlocking construction may be resorted to which will enable the shaft 52 to be moved into engagement with the shaft 22 to cause rotation of the latter upon rotation of the shaft 52.

The loose coupling connection between the driving motor and the driven shaft 55 presents characteristics of particular advantage in a device of this nature. If, for example, the clutch members 55 and 56 were in engage ment, and the jaws were wedged into engagement with the work, then considerable force would be required to be exerted to retract the member 52 to separate the socket elements 55 and 56 unless the motor were released and rotation in the opposite direction was begun by reversal of the electric connections. With a positive driving connection, however, reversal of the motor would tend instantaneously to reverse the chuck mechanism and such mechanism would no doubt be loosened before the shaft 52 could be manually retracted. The loose coupling connection overcomes this difficulty by resulting in a delayed action, that is,

the gear 39 being operated through reduction gearing, it would require an appreciable amount of time for the lug 46 to engage the opposite side of the arm 45. Another advantage of this construction resides in the fact that it permits the shaft 52 to be manually rotated in either direction free of the motor prior to its starting in order to adjust the member 55 the slight amount necessary to permit it to slip over the squared end 56.

A still further and very important feature of this loose coupling connection is manifest when we consider the normal operation of a chuck of this type, which may be intentionally or inadvertently wedged to either extreme position, thereby stalling the motor and in which case the maximum torque of the motor has been exerted on the chuck mechanism and, as is well known, a greater force would oftentimes be required to release the chuck from this position. With the delayed driving connection shown, the motor is not re quired to start under full load and furthermore serves, after having picked up speed, to impart a hammer blow to the arm as because of its momentum and thereby loosen the chuck mechanism with a force greater than that which was previously applied in moving it to one of its extreme positions.

The driving motor, if electric, may be of any standard commercial type suitable for the purpose; it being of course a reversible type. A convenient control means has been provided which co-operates with the above described construction to result in highly advantageous features and consists in general of the control switch 57 conveniently positioned for foot operation and having suitable flexible electrical connections with the motor. The buttons 58 and 59 are adapted to be depressed, one for forward and the other for reverse operation of the motor. The buttons are preferably spring returned upon release by removal of the foot. The control means being located in the base of the machine, where they may be conveniently foot-operated, permit of the attendant using both hands to manipulate the shaft 52 and/or for grasping the object to be secured in the chucks, this being especially desirable where the chucks are adapted to carry a heavy and cumbersome piece of work. It may be seen that the power chucking means consists of a complete unit readily applicable to any standard type of machine and may be cont pletely installed upon a translatable machinetool head; no connections other than electrical wiring being necessary.

Vithout further analysis, the foregoing will. so fully reveal the gist of this invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various utilizations by retaining one or more of the features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of either lOO the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should be, and are intended to be, comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of the following claims.

Having thus revealed this invention, 1 claim as new and desire to secure the fol lowing combinations and elements, or equivalents thereof, by Letters Patent of United States:

1. A machine tool combining a rotatable head; a chuck mounted thereon; rotary jaw operating mechanism associated with said chuck; and power operating means for said .mechanism comprising an electric motor mounted on said machine tool, a rotatively mounted member, drive connections for retating said men'iber from said motor, a clutch shaft splined in said member, clutch means at one end of said shaft adapted to operatively engage said jaw mechanism to rotate the latter, and a hand grasp at the opposite end of said shaft for causing said engagement at will.

2. Chuck operating means comprising a rotary motor; a first member rotated there by through reduction gearing; a second member concentrically mounted with respect to said first member; a lost motion coupling between said members; and an operating shaft splined in said second member having clutch means for operatively engaging the chuck mechanism.

3. Chuck jaw operating means comprising a rotatively mounted cylindrical member; a worm gear mounted on said member and retative relative thereto; a lost motion coupling between said member and gear; a rotary motor; a worm rotated thereby meshing with said worm gear; and a clutch shaft splined in said member having a hand grasp at the outer end thereof and means at the other end for engaging the chuck jaw operating mechanism.

i. A machine tool combining a rotary memher; a plurality of gripping mechanisms mounted thereon; and means positioned closely adjacent said member for selectively actuating said mechanisms comprising a rotary motor, an element connected to be rotated thereby, a translatable member connected to be rotated by said element; and manual means for operatively connecting said translatable member with any one of said mechanisms when in a predetermined position.

5. Driving means for imparting rotary motion, comprising a motor; an element connected to be rotated thereby; a lost motion coupling between said motor and element; a power delivery shaft translatably mounted with respect to said element but connected to be rotated thereby; means at one end of said shaft for engaging the mechanism to be rotated; and a hand grasp at the opposite end for rotatably and translatably adjusting said shaft into engagement with the mechanism to be driven.

6. A machine tool combining a frame; a rotary member mounted thereon; a plurality of chucks mounted on said member; a single actuating means for said chucks supported on said frame adjacent the path of movement thereof; power means for driving said actuating means; a lost motion coupling therebetween; and means for selectively connecting said actuating means to any one of said chucks.

7. Rotary chuck actuating means comprising rotary motor; a rotatable element; a lost motion driving coupling connecting said motor thereto; and an actuating member connected to be rotated by said elen'ient but trans latable with respect thereto for engagement at will with the chuck to be actuated.

8. A machine tool combining a translatable head; a rotary member carried thereby; a plurality of chucks carried by said rotary member; and a single actuating means therefor supported on said head closely adjacent the path of movement of said chucks, comprising a rotary driving motor, a transmission member connected to be rotated thereby, and a second member mounted to be rotated by said transmission member and translatable relative thereto said second member having clutch means for engaging the chuck operating mechanism.

9. A machine tool combining a frame; gripping mechanism mounted thereon; actuating means therefor; manually operable means for connecting and disconnecting said actuating means to said mechanism; a driving motor for said actuating means; and control means for said motor conveniently posi tioned for foot operation.

10. A machine tool combining a frame; gripping mechanism mounted thereon; actuating means therefor; a reversible driving mot-or; a lost motion coupling between said motor and actuating means; control means for said motor conveniently positioned for foot operation; and manually operable means for connecting or disconnecting said actuating means from said mechanism.

11. A machine tool combining a frame: a member rotatably mounted thereon; a plurality of mechanisms mounted on said member; actuating means therefor adjacent said member; an electric driving motor for said means; switch control means for said motor adapted to be foot-operated; and manually operable means for selectively connecting said actuating means to said mechanisms.

12. A machine tool combining a rotary head; a plurality of chucks thereon; and chuck operating means normally fixed adjacent the path of movement of said chucks comprising a rotary motor, an element geared to be rotated thereby, and an elongated Wrench member slidably mounted in said element but rotatable therewith and having means for manually sliding it in said element to engage the respective chucks when moved into a predetermined position.

13. A machine tool combining a rotary head; a plurality of chucks mounted thereon; and chuck operating mechanism fixedly mounted adjacent the path of movement of said chucks comprising an electric motor, a member geared to be rotated thereby, a second rotary member, a lost motion driving connection between said members, and a Wrench mounted in said second member to rotate therewith but translatable relative thereto, said Wrench being adapted to be manually rotated and translated to engage the respective chucks When moved to a predetermined position.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name.

STANLEY T. GOSS. 

